Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Children who attend Head Start receive a variety of educational activities that help them grow mentally socially emotionally and physically. They also receive free medical and dental care have healthy meals and snack and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting. The Head Start Program also provides services to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Most children in Head Start are between the ages of three and five years old. Head Start grant includes funding for quality improvement cost of living increases and training and technical assistance.Head Start (HS) came into existence in 1964 under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration.

Many children of low-income families face more challenging situations than their more fortunate classmates when they enter school. Therefore Head Start offers a comprehensive early childhood development program which assures children a “head Start” in life.

The Atlantic Human Resources Inc. Head Start Program operates twenty centers throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties. AHR Inc. also operates an Early Head Start program.

Children ages of 3 to 41/2 years from low income families are eligible for inclusion in Head Start. Priority is given to four year olds. Children ages 0-3 and pregnant women are eligible for Early Head Start.

Hear Start places special emphasis on training for parents of enrolled children in the following areas: Parenting skills Utilization of Community Resources Early Childhood Development Adult Education Preventative Health Care Safety and Principals of Nutrition.